Accountant at Close Up Foundation – Arlington, Virginia

Company Overview | Close Up’s mission is to inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise their rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan leader in civic education since 1971, we believe a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens. Therefore, we seek to reach participants of every race, creed, geographical community, socioeconomic level, and academic standing.

Position Summary | The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting financial reporting and maintaining accurate accounting practices to ensure the timely preparation of financial statements. This role involves general accounting, grants accounting, account reconciliations, compliance reporting, and other financial tasks to support the organization’s goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively across departments.

Primary Responsibilities:

General Accounting

• Assist with the accounting function, including intercompany transactions, cash management/reconciliation for multiple accounts, financial reporting, and balance sheet management.
• Execute month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Perform general ledger duties and complete special projects as assigned.
• Track fixed-price programs, including invoicing as applicable.
• Contribute to the preparation of the organization's budget, including generating variance reports and explaining deviations from the established budget.
• Develop and maintain the cash flow forecast.
• Assist with accounts payable processing.

Compliance Reporting

• Assist with preparing audit and Form 990 schedules.
• Organize, prepare, and file Charitable Solicitation applications for all states.
• Conduct monthly temporary/permanent restricted fund processing.
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to financial systems and internal controls.

Grant Accounting

• Record all contracts and restricted grants awarded.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly grant reports and supporting schedules.
• Monitor government grants for compliance with the Uniform Act and reporting requirements.
• Ensure timesheet hours charged align with the approved allocation and budget.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure accurate recording and monitoring of contracts and restricted grant activities.
• Provide support to the development team during the proposal process.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting or a combination of education and experience in finance/accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft BC (formerly Microsoft NAV) accounting software is preferred; experience with budgeting is a plus.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and communicate updates to management as needed.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting practices is a plus.
• Experience managing grants or working in grant compliance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to process improvement.

Working Conditions:

The Staff Accountant will work in a professional office environment, with the possibility of a 3-day in office /2-day telework hybrid work schedule. This position may require extended working hours during peak reporting or budgeting periods.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the role.

To apply, please upload a cover letter describing why this position is the right fit for your skills and experience, along with your resume.
No recruiters, please.